Thursday, December 06, 2012
The Incarnation
It has been over 2000 years since Jesus was
born, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. The star, the wise men, the angels, and the
flight to Egypt are now ancient history.
Throughout the ages billions of people have loved Him and billions have
hated Him. His life still rattles the world because he was not just a great
prophet born to a poor, Jewish family; He was God in flesh. Theologians refer to God becoming flesh as “The
Incarnation.”
Jesus was the Son of Man in that he was born
of a woman, but He was the Son of God in that He was conceived by the Holy
Ghost. That is why even the stars
declared His birth. That is why we
should not be ashamed to declare His divinity.
We say “Merry Christmas” because God entered our world so that we can have
the option of entering His eternal Kingdom.
He became flesh so we could become immortal. He put on corruption so we could put on
incorruption.
Nothing in all of history compares to the
stories of Jesus’ birth, life and death.
The stories are true, well documented and continually being verified
afresh. A recent article mentioned yet
another verification: “The main-line orthodox ‘church world’ has been stunned
by the recent discovery of what is probably the earliest church ever discovered
in the Holy Land (approx 170 AD - 280 AD).
The well-preserved mosaic floor is boldly inscribed ‘To God Jesus
Christ!’ This is clearly a testament to a belief in the deity of Jesus Christ
that thrived during the years prior to the Byzantine period.”
Early Church Fathers clearly recognized Jesus
as God:
·
Around 105 A.D. Bishop Ignatius said “God was manifest in human
form” and referred to Him as “Jesus Christ, our God.”
·
Clement advised “Brethren, it is fitting that you should think of
Jesus Christ as of God -- as Judge of the living and the dead.”
·
Centuries later Aristides said “The Christians trace the beginning
of their religion to Jesus the Messiah. He is called the Son of the Most High
God. It is said that God came down from heaven. He assumed flesh and clothed
himself with it from a human virgin. And the Son of God lived in a daughter of
man.”
The Christmas story of baby Jesus being born in a stable is much
more than a touching tale about the birth of an important historical figure; it
is a bookmark in mankind’s history that indicates the place where the great
Creator broke into time so that He could become our Savior. Someone had to fix the mess we had made. Someone had to save us from ourselves. It is a story well worth commemorating. St. John said it like this: “In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John
1:1,14)
The incarnation is worth
celebrating. Let’s throw parties, do
re-enactments, give to those in need, sing carols and boldly say “Merry
Christmas.” Anyone who feels otherwise
either doesn’t realize what really happened or is against God and His
Kingdom. Someday every knee will bow and
every tongue will confess that Jesus is God -- the King of the universe. Meanwhile I will proudly celebrate the
Sovereign King who became a baby so that I can have everlasting life. 
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
